Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
